Gang-rape victim still in trauma

SARLAHI, DEC 09 -
Relatives of a girl who was gang-rape d at a lodge in Malangawa have expressed their concerns about her security. They are very worried as the traumatised victim says that she does not want to live any longer.
“She has refused to go home. She has been traumatised. We are very worried about her rehabilitation,” said the victim’s brother who came to the district on Sunday to take his sister home.
The 15-year-old girl, originally from Sindhupalchok district, was taken hostage and gang-rape d at the lodge few days ago. The victim said that 12 people raped her in turn. A local organisation working for women and children had rescued the victim with the help of college students on Wednesday.
The victim, who has been taking shelter at the Woman Development Office (WDO), is mentally disturbed. The WDO lodged a complaint demanding action against six people.
Banita Karki at the WDO said the victim would be sent home with her brother. She would be called for statement when needed, she said.
The victim’s brother said that his family cannot afford to go to the district (Sarlahi) frequently for the case.
“This is a serious problem for an impoverished family,” he said.
The victim had recently come to the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu from her village in Sindhupalchok for the treatment of her eyes. She said some transportation workers of buses plying along Kathmandu-Malangawa route lured her to Sarlahi and committed the crime.

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